Discussion:
IDOT to replace I-57/64 IL 15 interchange in Mt Vernon
(too old to reply)
Rich Piehl
2007-11-17 03:07:42 UTC
Permalink
While looking for info on the McKinley Bridge re-dedication I ran across
this on the IDoT web site.

http://www.dot.state.il.us/press/r103107.html
Follow the link for the full article.
MT. VERNON – Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials today joined Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley and other local and state leaders to break ground on the new Mt. Vernon Interchange for Veteran’s Memorial Drive. The $15.5 million project, funded through IDOT will improve safety, ease congestion and improve access in the heavily traveled area by creating an overpass that will take Veteran’s Memorial Drive over Interstate 57/64.
“For years, residents of Mt. Vernon have had to deal with heavy congestion along the Illinois 15 corridor,” said IDOT Assistant Secretary David Phelps. “This project builds on the Governor’s commitment to improve safety on our roadways and create opportunities for economic development. The new overpass will improve safety by easing congestion on Illinois 15, and will also provide far better access to the area west of I-57/64, which will ultimately improve local commerce. We are proud to break ground on this project today, and look forward to its completion.”
Take care,
Rich

God bless the USA
--
That's one of the problems in this country
The nuts don't know they're nuts.

--Jeff Foxworthy
JG
2007-11-17 19:44:36 UTC
Permalink
On Nov 16, 9:07 pm, Rich Piehl
Post by Rich Piehl
While looking for info on the McKinley Bridge re-dedication I ran across
this on the IDoT web site.
http://www.dot.state.il.us/press/r103107.html
Follow the link for the full article.
MT. VERNON - Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials today joined Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley and other local and state leaders to break ground on the new Mt. Vernon Interchange for Veteran's Memorial Drive. The $15.5 million project, funded through IDOT will improve safety, ease congestion and improve access in the heavily traveled area by creating an overpass that will take Veteran's Memorial Drive over Interstate 57/64.
"For years, residents of Mt. Vernon have had to deal with heavy congestion along the Illinois 15 corridor," said IDOT Assistant Secretary David Phelps. "This project builds on the Governor's commitment to improve safety on our roadways and create opportunities for economic development. The new overpass will improve safety by easing congestion on Illinois 15, and will also provide far better access to the area west of I-57/64, which will ultimately improve local commerce. We are proud to break ground on this project today, and look forward to its completion."
Take care,
Rich
God bless the USA
--
That's one of the problems in this country
The nuts don't know they're nuts.
--Jeff Foxworthy
Some state DOTs do focus on really gridlocked areas:

"Las Vegas Paving was awarded a $94.8 million contract, the largest
ever spent by the state on a single road project, to widen U.S. 95
from six to 10 lanes and for related structures and drainage
improvements from east of Valley View Boulevard to the Rainbow
Boulevard interchange. "
RJ
2007-11-22 01:49:08 UTC
Permalink
And some states do not do anything about gridlock. Are you listening,
ConnDOT?
Rick Powell
2007-11-23 03:51:09 UTC
Permalink
JG, you know the partial answer to that one in IL. With few
exceptions, the people and elected officials are mostly supportive of
highway expansion projects in southern and western IL. They are
generally less supportive of such projects in NE IL (where the most
congestion is), as most expansions or new routes are met with
neighborhood or other organized opposition (I can think of lots of
examples here, including the Crosstown, the Fox Valley Freeway, IL 22,
IL 53 (in several locations), I-290, I-355 extension, etc. State and
local agencies are doing more these days to involve the locals and
come to some sort of consensus on the major projects as they are being
planned; it will take a few years to see if those efforts pay off in
smoother processes, more community buy-in, etc.

Also, it is generally more expensive to do lane additions, new
interchanges, etc. in NE IL because of higher land and construction
prices. That $15 million interchange in Mt. Vernon might well be $30-
$40 million or more if it was being added to a suburban freeway, or if
it was a rebuild of an interchange in Chicago.

I'm not suggesting that the money should flow to the path of least
resistance; but it's a reality that with its enormous and competing
needs as well as a more challenging community and political
environment to work in, it's usually harder to do an expansion project
in NE IL's District 1 than in other areas of the state. That doesn't
mean we don't, or shouldn't, try if the need is there.

RP
JG
2007-11-23 22:28:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rick Powell
JG, you know the partial answer to that one in IL. With few
exceptions, the people and elected officials are mostly supportive of
highway expansion projects in southern and western IL. They are
generally less supportive of such projects in NE IL (where the most
congestion is), as most expansions or new routes are met with
neighborhood or other organized opposition (I can think of lots of
examples here, including the Crosstown,
That's because the NW side was to be plowed under again, a few years
after I-90/94 came through and I suspect that relocation benefits
weren't as full as they are today. And this was still a thriving
middle class area. Today, some parts, not so much.

And no one bemoaned the 5th lane added to the Ryan, which equals the
capacity addition of 1/16 of the Crosstown, approximately.

the Fox Valley Freeway, IL 22,
Post by Rick Powell
IL 53 (in several locations), I-290, I-355 extension, etc.
I haven't heard anyone bemoan a I-290 expansion project, or ANY of
ISTHA's 8 lane expansion projects in Cook, Dupage or Lake Co.. I-355
aadt's are still a state secret for the expansion.

State and
Post by Rick Powell
local agencies are doing more these days to involve the locals and
come to some sort of consensus on the major projects as they are being
planned; it will take a few years to see if those efforts pay off in
smoother processes, more community buy-in, etc.
Also, it is generally more expensive to do lane additions, new
interchanges, etc. in NE IL because of higher land and construction
prices. That $15 million interchange in Mt. Vernon might well be $30-
$40 million or more if it was being added to a suburban freeway, or if
it was a rebuild of an interchange in Chicago.
I'm not suggesting that the money should flow to the path of least
resistance; but it's a reality that with its enormous and competing
needs as well as a more challenging community and political
environment to work in, it's usually harder to do an expansion project
in NE IL's District 1 than in other areas of the state.
See my ISTHA comment above.

That doesn't
Post by Rick Powell
mean we don't, or shouldn't, try if the need is there.
Many western state metro areas have a county transportation commision
which leads on both highway and transit issues, like the LV RTC.
Around here, its a jumble of Balkan-like agencies and fifedoms....JG
Rick Powell
2007-11-24 00:37:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by JG
And no one bemoaned the 5th lane added to the Ryan, which equals the
capacity addition of 1/16 of the Crosstown, approximately.
The public hearings for the Ryan expansion were very hostile. The
result was that some ramp closings, which would have eliminated
conflict points and enabled smoother operation, were restored, several
amenities were added to pretty the project up, and more minority
subcontractors were added to the project.
Post by JG
I haven't heard anyone bemoan a I-290 expansion project, or ANY of
ISTHA's 8 lane expansion projects in Cook, Dupage or Lake Co.. I-355
aadt's are still a state secret for the expansion.
RE: I-290- this will be a very difficult process, judging from the
snail's pace of the study and the input to date from Oak Park. The
ISTHA projects are likely easier because they do not involve a
substantial amount of right-of-way.
Post by JG
Many western state metro areas have a county transportation commision
which leads on both highway and transit issues, like the LV RTC.
Around here, its a jumble of Balkan-like agencies and fifedoms....JG-
There being 6 counties in RTA and IDOT District 1, and even more
served by ISTHA, it's obviously more difficult than if there were one
county to organize everything. I believe you were looking for the
word "fiefdom"...but "fifedom", as in Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife, is
probably just as apt.

RP
JG
2007-11-24 00:58:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by Rick Powell
Post by JG
And no one bemoaned the 5th lane added to the Ryan, which equals the
capacity addition of 1/16 of the Crosstown, approximately.
The public hearings for the Ryan expansion were very hostile. The
result was that some ramp closings, which would have eliminated
conflict points and enabled smoother operation, were restored, several
amenities were added to pretty the project up, and more minority
subcontractors were added to the project.
A simply result of the community being heard. I wonder how much gas
tax the state collects from that area, versus people traveling across
the border to IN ?
Post by Rick Powell
Post by JG
I haven't heard anyone bemoan a I-290 expansion project, or ANY of
ISTHA's 8 lane expansion projects in Cook, Dupage or Lake Co.. I-355
aadt's are still a state secret for the expansion.
RE: I-290- this will be a very difficult process, judging from the
snail's pace of the study and the input to date from Oak Park. The
ISTHA projects are likely easier because they do not involve a
substantial amount of right-of-way.
A lot of 8 lane-ing could be done using existing ROW and shoulders, it
just takes will-power. IDOT chief of staff mentioned no new projects
for 10 years during a radio interview.
Post by Rick Powell
Post by JG
Many western state metro areas have a county transportation commision
which leads on both highway and transit issues, like the LV RTC.
Around here, its a jumble of Balkan-like agencies and fifedoms....JG-
There being 6 counties in RTA and IDOT District 1, and even more
served by ISTHA, it's obviously more difficult than if there were one
county to organize everything. I believe you were looking for the
word "fiefdom"...but "fifedom", as in Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife, is
probably just as apt.
RP
The area needs someone like NYC's Robert Moses..JG
Rick Powell
2007-11-24 01:16:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by JG
The area needs someone like NYC's Robert Moses..JG
The political and community opinion climate is not favorable to an all-
powerful transportation czar right now. OTOH, has there ever been a
dictator who asked the people's permission to rule over them? :-)

RP
Joe Blasi
2007-11-24 01:31:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by JG
Post by Rick Powell
Post by JG
And no one bemoaned the 5th lane added to the Ryan, which equals the
capacity addition of 1/16 of the Crosstown, approximately.
The public hearings for the Ryan expansion were very hostile. The
result was that some ramp closings, which would have eliminated
conflict points and enabled smoother operation, were restored, several
amenities were added to pretty the project up, and more minority
subcontractors were added to the project.
A simply result of the community being heard. I wonder how much gas
tax the state collects from that area, versus people traveling across
the border to IN ?
Post by Rick Powell
Post by JG
I haven't heard anyone bemoan a I-290 expansion project, or ANY of
ISTHA's 8 lane expansion projects in Cook, Dupage or Lake Co.. I-355
aadt's are still a state secret for the expansion.
RE: I-290- this will be a very difficult process, judging from the
snail's pace of the study and the input to date from Oak Park. The
ISTHA projects are likely easier because they do not involve a
substantial amount of right-of-way.
A lot of 8 lane-ing could be done using existing ROW and shoulders, it
just takes will-power. IDOT chief of staff mentioned no new projects
for 10 years during a radio interview.
Post by Rick Powell
Post by JG
Many western state metro areas have a county transportation commision
which leads on both highway and transit issues, like the LV RTC.
Around here, its a jumble of Balkan-like agencies and fifedoms....JG-
There being 6 counties in RTA and IDOT District 1, and even more
served by ISTHA, it's obviously more difficult than if there were one
county to organize everything. I believe you were looking for the
word "fiefdom"...but "fifedom", as in Deputy Sheriff Barney Fife, is
probably just as apt.
RP
The area needs someone like NYC's Robert Moses..JG
And If we get the 2016 Summer Olympics how fast will that change?
Stop-IL-TollwayRipoffs
2019-09-20 21:04:46 UTC
Permalink
Post by JG
Post by Rick Powell
JG, you know the partial answer to that one in IL. With few
exceptions, the people and elected officials are mostly supportive of
highway expansion projects in southern and western IL. They are
generally less supportive of such projects in NE IL (where the most
congestion is), as most expansions or new routes are met with
neighborhood or other organized opposition (I can think of lots of
examples here, including the Crosstown,
That's because the NW side was to be plowed under again, a few years
after I-90/94 came through and I suspect that relocation benefits
weren't as full as they are today. And this was still a thriving
middle class area. Today, some parts, not so much.
And no one bemoaned the 5th lane added to the Ryan, which equals the
capacity addition of 1/16 of the Crosstown, approximately.
the Fox Valley Freeway, IL 22,
Post by Rick Powell
IL 53 (in several locations), I-290, I-355 extension, etc.
I haven't heard anyone bemoan a I-290 expansion project, or ANY of
ISTHA's 8 lane expansion projects in Cook, Dupage or Lake Co.. I-355
aadt's are still a state secret for the expansion.
After TWELVE years, some good news:

1. The 2 lane flyover ramp is fully open from I-90/94 (Dan Ryan) to I-290 (Ike).... Thanks Obama and ME.
2. Most of I-355 is now 3 or 4 lanes each way, full of traffic from Joliet area subdivisions.
JG
2007-11-28 22:26:04 UTC
Permalink
Post by JG
On Nov 16, 9:07 pm, Rich Piehl
Post by Rich Piehl
While looking for info on the McKinley Bridge re-dedication I ran across
this on the IDoT web site.
http://www.dot.state.il.us/press/r103107.html
Follow the link for the full article.
MT. VERNON - Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) officials today joined Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley and other local and state leaders to break ground on the new Mt. Vernon Interchange for Veteran's Memorial Drive. The $15.5 million project, funded through IDOT will improve safety, ease congestion and improve access in the heavily traveled area by creating an overpass that will take Veteran's Memorial Drive over Interstate 57/64.
"For years, residents of Mt. Vernon have had to deal with heavy congestion along the Illinois 15 corridor," said IDOT Assistant Secretary David Phelps. "This project builds on the Governor's commitment to improve safety on our roadways and create opportunities for economic development. The new overpass will improve safety by easing congestion on Illinois 15, and will also provide far better access to the area west of I-57/64, which will ultimately improve local commerce. We are proud to break ground on this project today, and look forward to its completion."
Take care,
Rich
God bless the USA
--
That's one of the problems in this country
The nuts don't know they're nuts.
--Jeff Foxworthy
"LasVegasPaving was awarded a $94.8 million contract, the largest
ever spent by the state on a single road project, to widen U.S. 95
from six to 10 lanes and for related structures and drainage
improvements from east of Valley View Boulevard to the Rainbow
Boulevard interchange. "
That was a fast one..

"The 95 is better. A lot better. That is, the section that's now
complete, but some solutions can lead to other problems.

You've got Rainbow north and Rainbow south, merging together for the
95 north ramp, right about the same place that Summerlin Parkway comes
in. And then you have 95 narrowing down from five lanes to three.
That's a merge, a merge and another merge. And that's a Traffic
Turkey.

"Where they're going to have bottlenecks when they're done is where
they end. And that's where this project ends. And we're merging down
lanes, and yes, we have a project," John Terry with NDOT said.

The solution is pretty straight forward. NDOT has two projects in
development that will add lanes from Rainbow all the way to Centennial
Parkway. Once they start, the work won't be nearly as troublesome as
the widening that just ended.

"The right of way is not as big an issue, and we're not reconstructing
the freeway on those projects," Terry explains.

So more lanes are on the way but it will take us into '09 before it's
done. Meanwhile, it's always good advice to drive defensively. "

The I-290 binders should be ready by 2009...JG
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